Comments on: How to Prepare for Class

on 7/12/2008 I find it especially helpful to at least outline or write down main points the reading before class. This way (especially in lectures where the professor is basically going over the reading) you can follow along and if you get lost spacing off (which is my habit, *my excuse ADD*) you know what you missed and need to recap later. It works even better if you write up the key points from the reading before hand, then when the lecture occurs all you need to do is star key points or fill in anything that you missed or the teacher adds, rather than writing everything down at that time the teacher says it.

on 7/12/2008 I find it especially helpful to at least outline or write down main points the reading before class. This way (especially in lectures where the professor is basically going over the reading) you can follow along and if you get lost spacing off (which is my habit, *my excuse ADD*) you know what you missed and need to recap later. It works even better if you write up the key points from the reading before hand, then when the lecture occurs all you need to do is star key points or fill in anything that you missed or the teacher adds, rather than writing everything down at that time the teacher says it.

on 7/12/2008 I always found it extremely helpful, especially in lecture classes, to at least skim the reading and take a few short notes. Often times instructors are going over the assignment and sometimes they even go in order of the book. If your instructor does this and you accidentally get lost or space off (which is a tendency for me *my excuse is ADD*) you know what you will need to go back and review.
One instructor that I had did this and I only had to add a thing here or there and star key points, rather than miss things because you cannot write fast enough.

on 11/22/2005 This is most effective in big lecture halls. I always sat far away, but after switching, I was amazed at what I was missing. Not only do you hear and see everything, you get a sense of what's important by the professor's body language. It's pretty incredible.

on 11/22/2005 The most important thing you can do to ensure success in college is to attend classes. Even if you never read the text, if you go to class and take notes you're guaranteed to get at least a 'B'. But, going to class means nothing if you keep spacing out and dozing off. That's why the number one most important thing you can do in college is get enough sleep! Keep pushing back your bed-time until you can wake up an hour before your first class refreshed and ready to go. It wasn't easy for me to train myself to do this, since I'm normally a night owl, but it really pays off.

As for reading assignments, some people find it helpful to read before class, some people find it helpful to read after. Try both and find out what's best for you. However, keep in mind that attending class is way more important than doing the reading, since what the professor has to say in class is more focused and applicable to your assignments. If you have to choose between staying up late to finish the reading and going to bed to wake up refreshed for school, just go to bed!

on 11/22/2005 Explain the daily lecture to a friend or to a live tape recorder. We usually reinforce the lesson this way, and it helps to enforce key details. If you can teach it to someone else, you know it pretty well.

on 11/22/2005 Dress nicely! I usually wear a skirt and blouse (although considered weird by today's standards, professors appreciate it). If you dress like a slob, your instructor will notice. Remember you only have one time to make a first impression.

on 11/22/2005 After the lecture redo your lecture notes - but in your own words without looking at your notes. If you cannot put them in your own words, then you don't understand fully; it will be apparent and you'll have time to question the teacher in the next class.

on 11/22/2005 If you slack off and don't hand in your assignments on time, you will have a very large problem at the report card period, and you will get a poor grade.

on 11/22/2005 Learn to communicate with your instructors. You pay for your courses, but the ability to have intelligent interaction with your instructor is priceless. There is so much knowledge available that cannot be covered only in class time.

on 11/22/2005 Don't throw away your class notes till the course is over or till you pass the necessary exam. Notes taken during the class really help to prepare for exams.

on 11/22/2005 Make flash cards of vocabulary and important concepts that you need to memorize. Review them at least once a week. This way, you'll have a quick study guide during finals, too.

on 11/22/2005 If you miss an important point during lecture, don't ask the person beside you. You miss even more info while you're talking! Find a buddy in class to trade notes with - you'd be surprised at what you missed or didn't think was important.

on 11/22/2005 Try to read assigned material at least three times between classes. More will stick with each reading. Generally, three readings is an optimal goal. Also, spread out the readings - don't do them one right after the other.

on 11/22/2005 I have one large notebook/binder that can hold all of my subjects, and it zips closed. The dividers have tabs and folders. I never have to worry about finding the right folder, plus it holds my pens and discs, too.